MERSEYSIDE’S fire detectives will be showcasing their skills in a series of three programmes to be shown on BBC1 next week.

The series, which was shot over several months last year, follows the day to day work of the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service’s fire investigation team, from gathering evidence to informing police about suspected arson cases.

The first programme of the series takes a look at domestic fires and includes the story of a mother who broke both legs after grabbing her four-year-old son and jumping from a first floor window to escape a blaze in her home.

Chris Case, group manager in charge of fire investigation, said: “The programmes will show a side of the Fire and Rescue Service which is less well known but carries out important preventative work and provides vital information to make our communities safer.

“The causes of fires can lead to criminal investigations and our officers need a wide range of skills to find the evidence.”